In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of olmesartan (Benicar) combined with either a calcium channel blocker (CCB), or a diuretic, on blood pressure variability in elderly and very elderly hypertensive patients. The authors concluded that olmesartan combined with a CCB led to decreased blood pressure variability only in very elderly...
Read More
In a nutshell This study analyzed the effects of glucocorticoids given during assisted reproductive treatments. Glucocorticoids were found to increase pregnancy rates in some women, but cannot be recommended for routine use. Some background Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones with anti-inflammatory and immune suppressing effects. The use...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined stopping methotrexate after 6 months of combined treatment with etanercept. Results showed that continuing combination treatment is preferable to stopping methotrexate. Some background For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a combination of treatments is often more effective than a single treatment....
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined the most beneficial blood pressure targets for patients with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. Some background Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects roughly one billion people worldwide, particularly people over the age of 50. High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular events, such...
Read More
In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of high-dose statin treatment on preventing heart attacks in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Some background PCI is a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowed coronary arteries (the arteries of the heart). However, a common complication of the procedure is heart...
Read More
In a nutshell This study located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States aims to determine the safety and efficacy of using two NeuroPort Arrays (electrodes) in recording brain activity which can be used to control external devices. The outcome that will be studied is the safety of the participants and the efficacy of the electrodes. The...
Read More
In a nutshell This paper studied the use of direct oral anticoagulants to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Some background Atrial fibrillation (AF) refers to an abnormal heart rate that is irregular and usually rapid. It increases the risk of stroke (not enough blood supplying the brain). Current recommended treatments...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined the effects of total anatomical reconstruction (TAR) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy on recovery of urinary continence. Some background Urinary incontinence is a potential side effect of radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) that can impair a patient’s quality of life...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined the rates of positive surgical margins in both robot-assisted and open prostate removal surgeries. Some background Prostate cancer patients are often treated with radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland). In the standard, open approach an incision is made in the lower abdomen. In the...
Read More
In a nutshell This study looked at the possibility of long-term improvements in urinary function or erectile function after prostate gland removal (radical prostatectomy). Some background Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the most common treatment for prostate cancer, but this treatment can cause urinary and erectile problems. A common...
Read More
In a nutshell This trial investigated the effectiveness and safety of a combination treatment for colorectal cancer resistant to chemotherapy. Some background Cancer evolves as it progresses in patients. Sometimes, this leads to resistance to treatment. In this case, the cancer is termed “refractory”. TAS-102 (Lonsurf) is a...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated whether age affected disease progression or survival rates in patients with late stage colorectal cancer. Some background The average age at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is 72 years. 28% of diagnoses are made in people aged over 80. Only 4.6% are made in those aged under 50. Younger CRC patients tend...
Read More
